EXCLUSIVE: Not Your Daddy’s Films Secures Major Fiscal Sponsor, Signals Massive Expansion!

Not Your Daddy’s Films (NYDF), a prominent social impact organization dedicated to the education and elevation of women and nonbinary filmmakers, has announced its fiscal sponsorship by Film Independent, the esteemed non-profit independent media arts organization. This significant partnership arrives as Not Your Daddy’s Films proudly celebrates its fourth anniversary, marking a pivotal moment in its mission to foster greater gender equity and diversity within the film industry.

The Los Angeles-based organization was founded in 2022 by five multi-hyphenates – Kourtney Bell, Katherine Hughes, Nicole Lipp, Vika Stubblebine, and Carlye Tamaren – who united out of a shared frustration with the persistent lack of gender equity and diverse representation behind the camera. In a joint statement, the founders articulated their vision: “We started NYDF because we wanted the kind of community we weren’t finding anywhere else… ambitious, accessible and actually fun to be part of.” They further emphasized the transformative potential of the Film Independent sponsorship, stating, “Becoming a fiscally sponsored project of Film Independent means we can take the momentum we’ve built over the last four years and continue to uplift and empower filmmakers, without losing the energy that made people want to show up in the first place.”

Since its inception, NYDF has experienced remarkable growth and expanded its reach. What began as an intimate bimonthly screening for just 25 individuals has blossomed into a thriving "Daddy community" that regularly hosts events attracting more than 300 attendees. Over the past four years, the organization has consistently delivered impactful programming, including screenings, workshops, panels, and vibrant parties, all designed to spotlight the work of talented women and nonbinary filmmakers. NYDF has also forged strategic alliances with leading industry institutions, such as the American Cinematheque, the Alliance of Women Directors, SXSW, Women In Film (WIF), and The Black List, further solidifying its presence and influence within the cinematic landscape.

Looking ahead, NYDF is set to host its upcoming event, a special fourth-anniversary celebration, on Friday at The Aster in Hollywood. This gathering will feature six promising up-and-coming filmmakers who will showcase their work to an audience of industry insiders, followed by an engaging Q&A session. Beyond its robust schedule of in-person events, NYDF has extended its impact nationally and internationally through digital initiatives. Its "Daddy Dailies" podcast serves as a crucial platform, spotlighting women and nonbinary creatives and featuring esteemed guests such as Patty Jenkins, Diablo Cody, Meaghan Oppenheimer, Mary Bronstein, Ashley Nicole Black, Lena Khan, Hannah McMechan, and Danya Jimenez. Additionally, NYDF annually publishes its highly anticipated Daddy’s List, which highlights emerging filmmakers poised for success. Notable alumni from this list include Haley Z. Boston, showrunner of “Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen,” director Giselle Bonilla, recognized for the 2026 Sundance standout “The Musical,” and director Gia-Rayne B. Harris, known for her work on “Bridgerton.”

The fiscal sponsorship from Film Independent is expected to significantly enhance NYDF’s capacity to achieve its ambitious goals. The increased funding will be strategically utilized to expand its screenings and educational programming, develop more specialized workshops and critical resources for emerging filmmakers, build out its advisory leadership and organizational infrastructure, and further grow the impactful “Daddy Dailies” podcast. Furthermore, NYDF aims to strengthen its presence at major film festivals and actively create more direct pathways connecting talented filmmakers with vital professional opportunities, thereby continuing its mission to empower and elevate diverse voices in cinema.